McDaniel is often compared to his contemporary, Chief Jay Strongbow, due to both portraying similar Native American gimmicks.

[2] While attending, he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and also a part of Wilkinson's Sooners football program, where he holds the record for the longest punt at 91 yards.

[2][8] After he started playing as a linebacker for the New York Jets in 1964, McDaniel started wearing a custom jersey which had the name "Wahoo" sewn on the back above jersey 54, and whenever he made a tackle as a Jet, the public address announcer would ask the crowd WHO made that tackle, in which the crowd would shout, "Wahoo!

[4][8][10] While with the Houston Oilers, McDaniel also trained with NWA Amarillo wrestling promoter Dory Funk Sr. and became a professional wrestler as a way to supplement his income[10] by the time he was traded to the Denver Broncos in 1961.

The promoter wanted him to play off his Native American heritage, thus he was given the moniker "Chief" Wahoo McDaniel.

[12][2] McDaniel and Valentine had a historical feud remembered for the sheer force of their punch/chop exchanges, both men widely known for their hard-hitting style.

[14] On September 7, 1977, Valentine regained the title at the WRAL-TV studio tapings, breaking McDaniel's leg in the process.

"[12] McDaniel also worked for World Championship Wrestling's Slamboree 1993: A Legends' Reunion pay-per-view on May 23, 1993, where he teamed with Blackjack Mulligan and Jim Brunzell and fought Dick Murdoch, Don Muraco and Jimmy Snuka to a no-contest.

[3][4] He also has four grandchildren, from Nikki Rowe (Dustin and Brittany)and from Cindi Blank (twins Morgan and Taylor as well as four great-grandchildren.